Preparation

1. In a 5- to 6-quart pan, mix polenta and flour. Stir in broth and cream, mixing well. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often with a whisk or spoon to prevent lumps and sticking. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered, stirring often, until polenta feels creamy and smooth to taste, 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Stir butter and half the cheese into polenta; ladle into bowls. Sprinkle remaining cheese over polenta and add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes: If using dried beans, save 4 cups cooking liquid to use in the ragout; if using canned beans, reserve and measure the liquid when draining and add water to equal 4 cups. You can roast the vegetables and blanch the kale up to 4 hours ahead; wrap separately and chill, then proceed from step 4. Prepare the polenta while the ragout cooks.

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